Discover the World of Georgian Wine & Why Our Wine Club Is Your Passport to Tradition

Georgia is often celebrated as the “cradle of wine,” where winemaking traditions stretch back nearly 8,000 years. Today, this small country nestled between Europe and Asia offers an extraordinary array of wines that reflect its rich terroir, ancient techniques and passionate artisan producers.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Georgian wine so special, or if you simply love exploring unique varieties, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll journey through Georgia’s wine history, introduce you to its most popular grape varieties, suggest tempting food pairings - and explain why joining our GeoNaturals Wine Club is the ultimate way to experience it all.

A Brief History: Where Wine Began

Archaeological evidence of grape pips and fermentation vessels at sites such as Gadachrili Gora show that people in the South Caucasus were making wine as early as 6,000 BC. In those early days, Georgians mastered a method of fermenting and ageing their wines in qvevri - large, egg-shaped clay jars buried underground. This technique creates remarkably expressive wines with gentle oxygen exchange and a deep connection to the earth itself.

Over millennia, winemaking became woven into every aspect of Georgian culture. Festive gatherings known as suprascelebrated life’s milestones - weddings, bountiful harvests, even the simplest of reunions—always centred around food, community… and copious amounts of Georgian wine. The tamada, or toastmaster, would lead heartfelt toasts, guiding glasses of wine from one guest to the next.

Although modern stainless steel and oak-barrel techniques are now widespread, many producers still honour the qvevri tradition, producing wines that taste of history and place. Today, nearly every region of Georgia - from the sunlit valleys of Kakheti in the east to the mist-shrouded hills of Imereti in the west - boasts its own grape varieties and signature styles.

Five Popular Georgian Wine Varieties

While Georgia nurtures over 500 indigenous grape varieties, a handful stand out internationally for their distinct personalities:

1. Saperavi (Red)

   • Region: Kakheti & beyond

   • Profile: Deep ruby colour, bold tannins, flavours of blackberry, black cherry, plum and a hint of spice or tobacco. Often aged in oak for added complexity.

   • Why You’ll Love It: Saperavi can be enjoyed young and fruity or cellared for a decade or more. It’s the perfect partner for red meats, game and rich stews.

2. Rkatsiteli (White)

   • Region: Kakheti, Kartli

   • Profile: High acidity, green-apple and lemon zest notes, with floral or almond undertones. Produces crisp, refreshing wines when unoaked.

   • Why You’ll Love It: A staple at Georgian tables, Rkatsiteli cuts through oily or creamy dishes beautifully and also makes intriguing amber wines when aged on skins in qvevri.

3. Kisi (White/Amber)

   • Region: Kakheti

   • Profile: Thick skins yield wines with structured tannins, aromas of dried apricot, quince and honey-dew, balanced by a savoury-spice finish.

   • Why You’ll Love It: Kisi amber wines are a conversation starter—rich enough to accompany grilled vegetables and spicy fare, yet refined enough to sip solo.

4. Khvanchkara (Red, Semi-Sweet)

   • Region: Racha-Lechkhumi

   • Profile: Semi-sweet red with red-berry fruit, notes of raspberry and light tannins. A natural sweetness that’s not cloying.

   • Why You’ll Love It: A delightful aperitif or dessert wine—serve lightly chilled with berry-based desserts, soft cheeses or simply as a treat on its own.

5. Tsolikouri (White)

   • Region: Imereti

   • Profile: Medium acidity, aromatic pear and peach notes, often a hint of jasmine or wildflowers.

   • Why You’ll Love It: Ideal for summer sipping or pairing with seafood, goat’s cheese and fresh salads.

Perfect Pairings: Georgian Wine Meets Global Cuisine

Part of the joy of Georgian wine lies in pairing it with foods both traditional and unexpected. Here are a few tried-and-tested matches:

• Saperavi + Grilled Lamb ChopsThe wine’s bold tannins cut through the fattiness of lamb, while dark-berry flavours resonate with charred grill marks.

• Rkatsiteli + Fish TacosHigh acidity and citrus notes refresh the palate, balancing spiced fish, avocado and tangy slaw.

• Kisi Amber + Mushroom RisottoEarthy dried-fruit and savoury tannins mirror the umami of mushrooms, making each bite and sip harmonious.

• Khvanchkara + Chocolate TartThe wine’s gentle sweetness complements dark chocolate’s bitterness—pure indulgence.

• Tsolikouri + Halloumi & Watermelon SkewersFloral-fruit aromas lift salty halloumi and juicy watermelon, turning a simple snack into a summer delight.

Don’t hesitate to experiment: Georgian wine’s versatility means you’ll often find delightful surprises pairing it with British classics - think roast pork with Rkatsiteli or sticky toffee pudding and semi-sweet Khvanchkara.

Why Join the GeoNaturals Wine Club?

If exploring the world of Georgian wine sounds like your kind of adventure, our GeoNaturals Wine Club is designed just for you. Here’s why it’s the perfect way to deepen your appreciation and broaden your palate:

1. Curated Monthly Boxes

   • Choose your tier: Gold (3 handpicked wines) or Platinum (3 premium wines or 2 wines + 1 craft spirit).

   • Every month, receive a new theme - seasonal highlights, special varietals or rare cellar finds.

2. Expert Tasting Notes & Pairing Tips

   • Each bottle arrives with detailed tasting notes, vineyard stories and simple food-pairing suggestions. No guesswork - just guided tasting.

3. Member-Only Perks

   • 10% off ALL wines online, every single order.

   • Free UK delivery on every purchase, regardless of size.

   • Exclusive access to small-batch or pre-release wines.

   • Priority invites to tastings, masterclasses and GeoNaturals events.

4. Birthday Gift & Surprise Tasters

   • Gold members receive a free sample bottle or discount code in their birthday month.

   • Platinum members enjoy surprise tasters of new wines or spirits throughout the year.

5. Community of Wine Lovers

   • Share experiences, swap pairing ideas and connect with fellow Georgian wine enthusiasts in our private online community.

Ready to Explore Georgian Wine?

From its ancient origins to the vibrant wines of today, Georgian wine offers a truly unique tasting journey. Whether you’re captivated by the structured tannins of Saperavi, intrigued by the complexity of amber qvevri wines, or charmed by the delicate floral notes of Tsolikouri, there’s always something new to discover.

Join the GeoNaturals Wine Club and let us guide you every step of the way. Three curated bottles each month, direct from small family vineyards, accompanied by expert notes and unbeatable member benefits—it’s the easiest way to bring Georgian tradition into your home.

Here’s to new discoveries, shared toasts and the enduring magic of Georgian wine!